Returning an Item of Clothing

linzi.k.f

I purchased a knitted dress from a well known high street women's fashion store on 22nd October 2011 for £55. Since the purchase I have worn the dress twice and unfortunately, due to the way this dress has been stitched, several stitches have snagged and pulled out beyond repair. I don't dare wear it again because I'm worried more stitches will snag and pull out.

I have today gone to the shop's website and seen that 2 people have left reviews for this product and both have complained about the same thing happening, so I know it's not just me and clearly the item is either faulty or just poorly made.

I've read through the consumer rights section on this website and believe that I have the right to return this dress (even though it's been nearly 3 months since I bought it), as I don't believe the item is satisfactory quality, fit for purpose or lasted a reasonable length of time. What do you think?

Also, the dress cost me £55, but is now in the sale for £15. A friend of mine has told me that if I do return it then the shop only has to refund at the current sale price of £15, and not the total amount I paid for it of £55. Is this correct?

unholyangel

Do you have proof of purchase?

linzi.k.f

Yes, I forgot to mention in my original post, I have the original receipt.

shaun_from_Africa

If the shop staff agree that the dress is faulty, they can offer you a repair (very unlikely that they will do this), a refund of the purchase price (again, unlikely in this instance), or a replacement item.
I would think that it is the replacement that they will most likely give you.

unholyangel

linzi.k.f wrote: »

Yes, I forgot to mention in my original post, I have the original receipt.

Then your friend is wrong

Contact them and see what they say first (retailers do sometimes refund in full without a fight). Technically you can request one remedy (repair, replace, refund) over another but they can refuse if disproportionately costly. If they accept your request for a refund, they can reduce the cost to take into account use you have had of the goods but for 3 months on a dress.....IMO its not going to be much they reduce it by - if anything. I think a repair would be disproportionately costly but they may offer an exchange instead of a refund.

Within the first 6 months after purchase, its up to the retailer to prove the fault isnt inherent. And it is up to them to offer a remedy, so don't let them fob you off to anyone else.

If you have any problems or further questions, just update your thread and we'll help with what we can

linzi.k.f

Thanks for your replies.

To be honest I'd be happy to receive store credit for the amount the dress cost me if they don't want to give a refund. I really hope they don't just offer a replacement because I am positive I'll have the same problem with the dress again.